Pope Francis issued his first major written work today, a papal pronouncement known as an “apostolic exhortation,” calling on Catholics to battle what he called the “globalization of indifference.” Called “Evangelii Gaudium,” (the Joy of the Gospel), the document calls for “a new phase of evangelization, one marked by enthusiasm and vitality.” Pope Francis calls on parishes to be a point of “contact with the homes and the lives of its people,” and not a “useless structure out of touch with people or a self-absorbed cluster made up of a chosen few…” You can read the complete Apostolic Exhortation EVANGELLI GAUDIUM on the Vatican website, or download a copy here.
Also, the Vatican, in preparation for a Synod in 2014 has sent a questionnaire to all members of the Church. If you are interested in reading it you may find it on our website: Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelization. Responses that parishioners send will be shared with the Parish Council and a collective summary will be sent to the Diocese. We have been informed that the due date for the input is December 17.
